Rating: 
Summary: This book is a stop-gap, though enjoyable
Review: That does not make it bad. The main reason for my middle-of-the-road rating is that the book has a feeling of being ad hoc, a jury-rigged project, compared to the series itself. The books in the series flow with so much information, that it is easy to get lost in them. This book is much more straight-forward, much less loaded with detail. That is not a bad thing, but it is not what we have come to expect. Perhaps he has heard the cry of the masses and is trying to adjust to please his fan base. The book also reads somewhat like one of the later books of the Lord of the Rings, in that the first half of the book is about one group of characters and that the second is mostly about a different group. The only character common to both halves is Moiraine, with a smattering of Lan in the beginning being balanced by a slightly larger smattering of Suian in the end, both of these characters being very present during the other's virtual absence. This flip-flopping adds to the seemingly patched-togetherness of this book, but also the first section seems to make it seem that every or almost every Aes Sedai in the Wheel of Time is a contemporary of Moiraine, gaining the shawl at about the same time: Leane, Sheriam, Myrelle, a few others are included in this group. To me, that seems just a little too much like a graduating class from high-school, and seems to contradict the whole Aes-Sedai-are-dwindling concept that permeates the series. He does say that it was abnormal in the book, but I thought at least that Sheriam had been much older, perhaps a contemporary with Verin. The final factor is that this story builds off of New Spring the Short story in a very odd fashion: it uses that story as its conclusion. He builds on the beginning of it, not the end. He did add a few more details to the original short story, and made some alterations, but overall, they are virtually identical, the same thing only more-so in the new version. That was disappointing, to say the least, though intriguing that he tried it. This book seems designed to fulfill the role of being the WOT equivalent of the The Hobbit, a simple introduction to an extremely complex series. Someone who has not read the series might actually appreciate it more than I for that very reason. I recommend reading this book at least once.
CSH
Rating: 
Summary: Worth reading
Review: Robert Jordan has received a lot of criticism for writing (or re-writing) this story. My first point is that this is a great read. I read his original version years ago when it was published as a short story, but that did not lessen the quality of this short novel. I couldn't even remember the original, so this was like reading it for the first time. Learning about Morraine and Siuan's time as Accepted, Lan's history and experience in the south, and previews of conflict with the Black Ajah, were all very interesting and intriguing. Jordan is an excellent writer who's words have a purpose. Some would argue he's too descriptive or long-winded, but I believe everything he writes adds texture and dimension like no other author does today. In short, you're not wasting money buying this book. Secondly, there are a lot of complaints about writing a prequel before finishing the series. With two years between books (roughly) it's nice to get something so quickly, if only to whet out appetites for #11. Also, I would argue that for a series which has gone through ten books (thus far) it is not inappropriate for Jordan to take one book (#10) and use it to gather up some plot details and put them in a place to relaunch the story. Yes, COT is slower, with less action moving the story forward, but it is no less well written. It too has a purpose. With a series this long, you have to have patience. No one is forcing you to read or buy these books, so stop complaining endlessly. I imagine the actual writing is infinitely more difficult than having to wait to read it. Jordan is still the best fantasy author today, with the richest, most vibrantly creative world since Tolkien. He can take as many years as he like to finish the series; the longer he's around the better!
Rating: 
Summary: This book reminded me why I keep reading the series
Review: I've been frustrated with books 7 through 10 and this book illustrated why! He's got too many characters and everyone seems to act going against what they should be doing. This book gets you into the mindset of Lan and Moiraine, and they make intelligent decisions, with consequences for their actions. This was excellent and has reignited my interest in this series.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful read
Review: I really enjoyed reading New Spring. For any fans missing Moiraine, its a must have. We get to see her in a much different light and its a very important part of the whole Story. I couldnt put the book down. 3/4 of the book is all new and anyone can be completely sucked into the story. I would recomment this to any Jordan -WOT- fan. For those who think that it is a waste of time for Jordan to write this, Im sorry folks, Its your loss.
Rating: 
Summary: Not just a useless prequel, a rerun of a useless prequel
Review: So let's get this straight!! The guy can't finish his own series. The books just go on and on and never stop, then, when even his most hard core fans are standing on the cliff ready to pitch the ten book collection into the sea, Jordan comes out with a NEW book, which is nothing more then an extended short story that he ALREADY published??? Did I miss something here? All those who think this is just a very feeble attempt to make a little cash please raise your hands!! Thank you. I did not buy this book. I committed the Cardinal Sin of book reading and I read the first chapter in the book store. That's when I realized it was something that I've already read. That's when I realized that this author has totally lost it. Shame on him and on the publishing company. I hope Amazon doesn't get stuck with a million copies of this trash sitting in some warehouse in Toledo, Ohio, or Tar Valon, or wherever it is. I look forward to the author admitting defeat and leaving the story untold!! (I was in my 20's when I started reading this series when the first book came out. I'm like, OLD NOW!!!) I don't need a prequel.
Rating:
Summary: Just make sure you buy it on sale.
Review: If you are not already a Jordan fan, DO NOT become one. At least not until he finishes the bloody thing. If you have already been sucked in, do yourself a favor and buy it on sale, because you know you are going to buy it. I'm still not sure it was worth the $12 I paid for it. But then, books 7-10 havent been either. If you have read the short story as it was published in the Legends book, then you have already read this. Oh a little tidbit here and there, but nothing of use or substance. Its an ok book if you have a couple days to kill and nothing else to read. But if you read it and are disappointed, you have been forewarned. And if you read it and think its the greatest thing since sliced bread, well, I'm sure that its best I not say what I'm thinking. Until the next book....
Rating:
Summary: STOP!!!! NO MORE PREQUELS
Review: What's the point of writing a prequel when half your fan base is clamoring for the Wheel of Time series to end. Good Lord man, no more writing unless it involves the wrapping up of 20 year old plot threads/lines, etc. Better yet, wrap up this damn series so I can store it and never have to read the last 5 books--again.
Rating:
Summary: Two POVs is a Great Direction for this series
Review: I think this book shows that, while Robert Jordan is not a particularly talented writer, he does have a vision for the Wheel of Time series. Whether or not this vision came about as a fluke or from brainstorming, I cannot say. But I will say, that the copy of this story I read in Barnes and Nobles is heads and shoulders better than 'Crossroads of Twilight'. For some reason, narrowing the list of main characters down to two has the effect of making the story seem tighter. Even though many scenes have a strange, predicatable formula to dialogue and descriptions to them (When Gitara Moroso dies, the Amyrlin acts as if this was merely an annoying instance rather than anything particularly terrible...I'm not asking for the Amyrlin to break down, but the whole 'You can't Heal death.' line has been used too many times in the series and 'Gone...right when I need you most' is so overdone in fantasy in general, the moment lost dramatic tension. I give this book three stars. I can honestly say that I don't necessarily 'care' about Aes Sedai politics, though in general, their political intrigues are less grating to read about than Elayne's chapters, but I did find myself enjoying the fact that a few Accepted and Aes Sedai in some scenes were probably already Black Ajah. Perhaps the three heroes and three heroines in the main bulk of the series works against R. Jordan, in that you get bored trying to keep up with these characters during the lulls in their experience. I no longer believe Robert Jordan has a 'gift' for writing, nor a mastery of political fiction or intrigue. I honestly think he had a great idea for a series, built the story around these great, main principles and somehow got lost with each new detail he introduced. This reader is curious to see what a stronger writer, such as Guy Gavriel Kay, James Clavell or George R. R. Martin could do with the Wheel of Time source material. Hopefully, get rid of the Dragon Reborn...ironically, this book made me realize that the Wheel of Time is much more interesting when the Dragon/Rand is not at the forefront of the action killing off Forsaken and whatnot. Wait until this book is out on paperback, and then buy. I think it was a good read, but honestly, I read it right in the bookstore and was not upset when I placed it back on the shelf and went home.
Rating:
Summary: Read "Eye of the world" first
Review: Hell read them all first,then go ahead and read this,i finished this last night,and although entertaining...dosent add too much to the story began with the first novel....i would recomend it because it is "the wheel of time",but not neccesary to enjoy the rest of the series,the first one hundred and fifty pages just lead up to moraine and siuan becoming aei sedai,one chapter is devotied to them leaving the tower and entering a village,nothing happens,just loads of detail about the different people who frequent Tar Valon,and thats basically how the restof the book goes,although i did enjoy Elaida "helping" the accepted with there training(wicked).....try it for yourself,just dont hope for too much....Enjoy
Rating:
Summary: Stop, will you?
Review: I believe it was purported that Robert Jordan had the ending already pictured when he started writing the series. For someone who already has the ending in mind, you would think that a prequel might be something that you may want to consider after FINISHING THE ORIGINAL SERIES? Or has the author forgotten to mention certain details that we need to know? For someone who has written over 1,700 characters (historical and present -- yes, it's true, COUNT THEM), you would think that he had all his bases covered. Or maybe the emperor has no clothes. Get on with it, Mr. Jordan. If you have seen the ending, then write TOWARDS it.
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